Mala beads are more than just beautiful jewelry; they’re powerful tools used in meditation and mindfulness practices. With roots in Buddhism, these beads help you stay focused during meditation by keeping count of your mantra recitations.
Understanding how to choose and use mala beads can make a meaningful difference in your spiritual journey. In this guide, we’ll explore what mala beads are, how they work, and suggest six high-quality options to consider.
What Are Mala Beads?
Mala beads, often called prayer beads or meditation beads, have been used for centuries as tools for spiritual practice. They originated in Buddhism, where they serve as a means to keep count of mantra recitations during meditation.
A traditional mala has 108 beads, a number with significant spiritual meaning in various traditions. Some malas may have fewer beads, like 27 or 54, for bracelets or simply for shorter lengths.
While mala beads were originally used in religious contexts, they’ve become popular in modern meditation and mindfulness practices, regardless of religious affiliation. Many people wear them as a reminder to stay grounded and mindful throughout the day.
The beads themselves can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, stones, gemstones, or seeds, each having their unique spiritual or energetic properties. In the end, a lot of it comes down to your own personal preference.
How Do You Use Them?
Using mala beads in meditation is simple but effective. The process usually involves reciting a mantra—either aloud or silently—while touching each bead. This practice helps you stay focused and grounded and helps you keep count of your mantra.
If you don’t want to use a mantra, you can use the beads to help you to focus on each breath, touching each bead as you exhale. Here’s a basic guide to using mala beads:
- Choose a Mantra: Select a word, phrase, or sound that has meaning for you. Traditional mantras like “Om” or “Om Mani Padme Hum” are common, but you can choose any positive affirmation or intention. You can even make up your own.
- Hold Your Mala: Start with the bead next to the guru bead (the larger bead or tassel), holding it between your thumb and middle finger. You can use your forefinger instead if your religion doesn’t prohibit it. The guru bead marks the starting and ending point of your meditation.
- Recite Your Mantra: As you touch each bead, recite your mantra or simply exhale. Move your fingers to the next bead with each repetition. The motion of counting the beads can help you maintain focus and keep your mind from wandering.
- Complete the Cycle: Once you’ve gone around the entire mala, you can end your practice by pausing at the guru bead and offering a moment of gratitude. Some people prefer to reverse direction and continue their meditation if they haven’t finished their session.
How Do You Choose Mala Beads?
Choosing a mala bead can be a deeply personal experience. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the right one for you:
- Material: The material of the beads can influence the energy and feel of your mala. Wooden beads, like sandalwood or rosewood, are classic choices with grounding properties. Gemstone malas, made from stones like amethyst, jade, or lava rock, are chosen for their specific energetic qualities. Rudraksha seeds, traditional in Hindu malas, are believed to offer protection and peace and have been proven to have electrical properties that can physically affect your body.
- Intention: Consider the purpose of your mala. Are you using it for meditation, to set intentions, or as a daily reminder to stay mindful? Your intention can guide your choice of materials and design.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Your mala should resonate with you visually. The colors, tassel or charm, and design should align with your personal style. After all, you may wear it as jewelry when not using it for meditation.
- Size and Fit: Mala beads come in different sizes, from 6mm to 10mm or larger, although 8mm is typical. Smaller beads may feel more delicate and the string will be shorter, while larger beads can be more tactile. The length of the mala is also important, especially if you plan to wear it as a necklace or bracelet.
6 Suggestions for Quality Mala Beads
Now that you know what mala beads are and how to use them, here are six quality suggestions to consider. After researching the many options out there, we found six that all use natural stone beads, are hand crafted, and are thoughtfully designed.
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COAI Mala Beads with Hand Knotted Tassel
COAI offers a beautiful mala with 108 8mm rhodonite stone beads, a hand-knotted tassel, and a stainless steel, gold-plated Hamsa Hand Charm. Each bead is also hand-knotted to add a touch of craftsmanship.
Rhodonite is a stone that is associated with emotional healing and compassion. Whether you’re meditating or wearing it as a necklace, this mala serves as a gentle reminder of your road to emotional balance.
Bivei 7 Chakra Mala Beads
For those interested in chakra balancing, the Bivei 7 Chakra Mala Beads are a great choice. Made from a mix of natural gemstones, each bead in this mala is associated with one of the seven chakras, helping to align and balance your energy centers.
The beads consist of Stripes Agate, Red Agate, Picture Jasper, Green Agate, Variscite Jasper, Lapis Lazuli, and Amethyst, each representing a different chakra. Like many others on this list, the beads are hand-knotted.
PWMENLK Mala Beads with Tree of Life Pendant
The PWMENLK Mala Beads feature a beautiful Tree of Life pendant, symbolizing growth, strength, and connection to all life. This mala is crafted from natural stones that are arranged to resemble a celestial scene with blue sandstone to represent the starry sky.
The Tree of Life pendant adds a unique touch, making this mala a great choice for those who want a symbolic element in their meditation tool. It’s also a nice piece of jewelry that can be worn daily as a reminder of your spiritual path.
M MOOHAM Beaded Bracelets for Men
The M MOOHAM Beaded Bracelets are obviously marketed towards men, but they could be worn by anyone. The beads are made of 26 lava rock and yellow tiger eye stones known for their grounding and stabilizing properties.
The beads are durable and have a rugged appearance, making this a great choice for anyone who prefers a more muted, earthy look. If you’re into essential oils, the lava rocks also absorb scents fairly well and can be used as an aromatherapy tool too.
COAI 6mm Mala Beads with Leaf Pendant
Another offering from COAI, the 6mm Mala Beads with Leaf Pendant, is perfect for those who prefer a shorter string with more delicate, smaller beads. The beads are made of black onyx and make this mala lightweight and easy to wear, while the leaf pendant, made of crocodile jasper, adds a touch of nature-inspired elegance symbolizing peace and tranquility.
This mala is ideal for those who appreciate subtlety in their spiritual tools. It’s a versatile piece that can be worn as a discrete necklace or wrapped around the wrist as a bracelet.
PNEIME Mala Beads Necklace
The PNEIME Mala Beads Necklace is a beautiful option for anyone looking for simplicity and elegance. Made from Picasso stones, this 8mm mala has a clean and minimalist design, making it easy to pair with any outfit. It has a silk tassel attached to the guru bead.
Picasso stone is thought to represent inner clarity and creativity. However you use it, this necklace is a good choice if you’re looking for a simplistic and attractive design.
Conclusion
Mala beads give you a tangible connection to your spiritual practice and a good reminder to stay present. Whether you’re new to meditation or have been practicing for years, choosing the right mala can bring joy to your meditation experience in a new way and help you stay grounded.